Tympanic thermometer with ejection mechanism

ABSTRACT

A tympanic thermometer is provided including a heat sensing probe that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometer. An ejection apparatus including at least one finger extends from the distal end of the tympanic thermometer and is configured for movement along the outer surface of the probe. A probe cover is mountable to the distal end of the tympanic thermometer. The probe cover defines an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of the probe. The probe cover includes at least one longitudinal rib radially projecting from the inner surface thereof. The longitudinal rib defines a proximal face such that the at least one finger is configured to engage the proximal face. The probe cover can include a plurality of longitudinal ribs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application incorporates by reference PCT Application No.PCT/US03/______. Express Mail Label No. EV222416147US, filed in the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 6, 2003, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biomedicalthermometers, and more particularly, to a tympanic thermometer thatemploys an ejection apparatus and a probe cover to improve accuracy oftemperature measurement and safety.

2. Description of the Related Art

Medical thermometers are typically employed to facilitate theprevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, body ailments, etc. forhumans and other animals, as is known. Doctors, nurses, parents, careproviders, etc. utilize thermometers to measure a subject's bodytemperature for detecting a fever, monitoring the subject's bodytemperature, etc. An accurate reading of a subject's body temperature isrequired for effective use and should be taken from the internal or coretemperature of a subject's body. Several thermometer devices are knownfor measuring a subject's body temperature, such as, for example, glass,electronic, ear (tympanic).

Glass thermometers, however, are very slow in making measurements,typically requiring several minutes to determine body temperature. Thiscan result in discomfort to the subject, and may be very troublesomewhen taking the temperature of a small child or an invalid. Further,glass thermometers are susceptible to error and are typically accurateonly to within a degree.

Electronic thermometers minimize measurement time and improve accuracyover glass thermometers. Electronic thermometers, however, still requireapproximately thirty (30) seconds before an accurate reading can betaken and may cause discomfort in placement as the device must beinserted into the subject's mouth, rectum or axilla.

Tympanic thermometers are generally considered by the medical communityto be superior for taking a subject's temperature. Tympanic thermometersprovide rapid and accurate readings of core temperature, overcoming thedisadvantages associated with other types of thermometers. Tympanicthermometers measure temperature by sensing infrared emissions from thetympanic membrane (eardrum) in the external ear canal. The temperatureof the tympanic membrane corresponds to the core temperature of asubject's body. Further, measuring temperature in this manner onlyrequires a few seconds.

Known tympanic thermometers typically include a probe containing a heatsensor such as a thermopile, a pyroelectric heat sensor, etc. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,179,785, 6,186,959, and 5,820,264. These typesof heat sensors are particularly sensitive to the eardrum's radiant heatenergy.

In operation, a tympanic thermometer is prepared for use and a probecover is mounted onto a sensing probe extending from a distal portion ofthe thermometer. The probe covers are hygienic to provide a sanitarybarrier and are disposable after use. A practitioner or other careprovider inserts a portion of the probe having the probe cover mountedthereon within a subject's outer ear canal to sense the infraredemissions from the tympanic membrane. The infrared light emitted fromthe tympanic membrane passes through a window of the probe cover and isdirected to the sensing probe by a waveguide. The window is typically atransparent portion of the probe cover and has a wavelength in the farinfrared range. The probe cover should provide for the easy andcomfortable insertion of the probe into the ear canal.

The practitioner presses a button or similar device to cause thethermometer to take a temperature measurement. The microelectronicsprocess electrical signals provided by the heat sensor to determineeardrum temperature and render a temperature measurement in a fewseconds or less. The probe is removed from the ear canal and the probecover is removed and discarded.

Proper removal of a used probe cover from the probe is necessary foraccurate temperature measurements of subsequent readings using thetympanic thermometer. Proper removal of the used probe cover is alsorequired for safety to the subject such that disease propagation isminimized. Current tympanic thermometers may employ mechanisms and probecovers that are not properly removed in an efficient and facile manner.These types of tympanic thermometer designs can adversely affect theaccuracy and safety considerations of a temperature reading.

For example, a used probe cover may contain undesirable material, forexample, moisture, ear wax, etc., from within the ear of a subject,which may contaminate the probe cover. Attempted removal of the probecover may cause disease or other infections or tearing of the probecover such that a portion of the probe cover remains with the probe.

Other known tympanic thermometer devices include ejection devices thateject the probe cover after use. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.5,411,032. Similar devices, however, engage a circumferential flangeadjacent a base of the probe cover. A drawback of these designs is thatmoisture buildup, flange configuration, etc. of the probe cover maycause the ejection device to slip over the flange, or strike the flangecausing the body of the probe cover to fracture due to the relativeweakness of the probe cover body compared to the force used to strikethe base flange. Consequently, the probe cover remains attached to theprobe, or tears such that a portion of the probe remains with the probe.

In the event that a used probe cover or a portion thereof remains withthe probe cover, the probe cannot accurately sense infrared emissions.Further, the risk for disease propagation from one subject to another isdangerously increased.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a tympanic thermometer that employs anejection (hands-free) apparatus and a probe cover to improve temperaturemeasurement accuracy and safety to minimize disease propagation. Itwould be desirable if such a tympanic thermometer included an engagementsurface within a probe cover of the tympanic thermometer to achieve theprinciples of the present disclosure. It would be highly desirable ifthe probe cover included a longitudinal rib with the engagement surfaceto provide strength and stability to the probe cover. It is contemplatedthat the tympanic thermometer and its constituent parts is easily andefficiently manufactured and assembled.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a tympanic thermometer is provided that employs an ejectionapparatus and a probe cover to improve temperature measurement accuracyand safety to minimize disease propagation to overcome the disadvantagesand drawbacks of the prior art. Desirably, it would be desirable if sucha tympanic thermometer included an engagement surface within a probecover of the tympanic thermometer to achieve the principles of thepresent disclosure. The tympanic thermometer is easily and efficientlymanufactured and assembled. The present disclosure resolves relateddisadvantages and drawbacks experienced in the art.

The engagement surface of the tympanic thermometer disclosed herein canfacilitate accurate and safe temperature measurement by providing astrike interface between an ejection apparatus and a probe coverthereof. The strike interface provides several advantages includingejection of the probe cover from a heating sensing probe after use. Thismay be accomplished by depressing an ejection button or the like of thetympanic thermometer.

Another advantage of the strike interface is providing an indicationthat a used probe cover is removed and that a new unused probe cover isin position and ready for temperature measurement. This can beaccomplished via triggering circuitry that senses a presence of a probecover and correspondingly indicates to a practitioner that the tympanicis ready for use. Accordingly, such triggered circuitry may indicatethat the tympanic thermometer is not ready for use until a new, unusedprobe cover is mounted to the heat sensing probe. It is envisioned thatthe probe cover can be particularly configured for employment with thetympanic thermometer, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure, a tympanic thermometer is provided including a heatsensing probe that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer surfaceextending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometer. An ejectionapparatus including at least one finger extends from the distal end ofthe tympanic thermometer and is configured for movement along the outersurface of the probe. A probe cover is mountable to the distal end ofthe tympanic thermometer. The probe cover defines an inner surfaceconfigured to engage the outer surface of the probe. The probe coverincludes at least one longitudinal rib radially projecting from theinner surface thereof. The longitudinal rib defines a proximal face suchthat the at least one finger is configured to engage the proximal face.The probe cover can include a plurality of longitudinal ribs.

The outer surface of the probe may define a groove. The groove istransversely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis and isconfigured to receive a portion of the probe cover for releasablyretaining the probe cover with the probe. The portion of the probe coverincludes a plurality of protuberances projecting from the inner surfaceof the probe cover and is proximally spaced from the distal end of theprobe cover. The transverse groove may be disposed circumferentiallyabout the outer surface of the probe and substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the probe.

The ejection apparatus may include a plurality of fingers. The at leastone finger can include a tapered finger tip defining a distal strikeface. The at least one finger may be movable between a retractedposition and an extended position. The at least one finger may be biasedto the extended position. The at least one finger may also be releasablyfixable in a retracted position. Alternatively, the at least one fingeris releasably fixable via a latch, whereby the latch includes a releasebutton that is engageable to release the at least one finger from theretracted position.

The at least one longitudinal rib may have a transverse face having asubstantially parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe probe.

In an alternate embodiment, the ejection apparatus includesequidistantly spaced fingers. The fingers having a tapered finger tipthat defines a distal strike face and the probe cover includingequidistantly spaced longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal ribs having aproximal strike face, wherein the distal strike face and proximal strikeface engage for moving the fingers between a retracted position and anextended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believedto be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.The present disclosure, both as to its, organization and manner ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tympanic thermometer, in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure, mounted with a holder;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a distal end of the tympanicthermometer shown in FIG. 2, in part elevation;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a probe cover mounted to the tympanicthermometer shown in FIG. 2, in perspective;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the tympanicthermometer shown in FIG. 2, having parts removed to illustrate anejection apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end shown in FIG. 3,illustrating ejection of the probe cover; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end shown in FIG.8, illustrating ejection of the probe cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the tympanic thermometer and methods of usedisclosed are discussed in terms of medical thermometers for measuringbody temperature, and more particularly, in terms of a tympanicthermometer that employs an ejection apparatus and a probe cover toimprove temperature measurement accuracy and safety to minimize disease,bacteria, etc. propagation. It is envisioned that the present disclosurefinds application for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment ofdiseases, body ailments, etc. of a subject. It is further envisionedthat the principles relating to the tympanic thermometer disclosedinclude proper removal of a used probe cover via the ejection apparatusand indication to a practitioner whether a new, unused probe is mountedto the tympanic thermometer.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of a structure that is closer to a practitioner, while the term“distal” will refer to the portion that is further from thepractitioner. As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a humanpatient or other animal having its body temperature measured. Accordingto the present disclosure, the term “practitioner” refers to a doctor,nurse, parent or other care provider utilizing a tympanic thermometer tomeasure a subject's body temperature, and may include support personnel.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.Turning now to the figures wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views and initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a tympanic thermometer 20, inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Tympanic thermometer 20 includes a cylindrical heat sensing probe 22(FIG. 3). Heat sensing probe 22 extends from a distal end 24 of tympanicthermometer 20 and defines a longitudinal axis x. An ejection apparatus(FIG. 3) includes fingers 28 extending from distal end 24. Fingers 26and 28 are configured for movement along an outer surface 30 of heatsensing probe 22. Heat sensing probe 22 may have various geometriccross-sectional configurations, such as, for example, rectangular,elliptical, etc.

A probe cover 32 is mounted to distal end 24. Probe cover 32 defines aninner surface 34 FIG. 6) configured to engage outer surface 30. Probecover 32 includes longitudinal ribs 36 (FIG. 6), as will be discussed,that radially project from inner surface 34. Longitudinal ribs 36 definea proximal strike face 38. Fingers 28 are configured to engage proximalstrike face 38. It is envisioned that such engagement defines a zone ofstriking engagement or strike interface that advantageously facilitatesremoval of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22 via ejection. Thisconfiguration improves temperature measurement accuracy and providessafety to minimize disease, bacteria, etc. propagation.

It is contemplated that tympanic thermometer 20 includes the necessaryelectronics and/or processing components to perform temperaturemeasurement via the tympanic membrane, as is known to one skilled in theart. It is further envisioned that tympanic thermometer 20 may include awaveguide to facilitate sensing of the tympanic membrane heat energy.Tympanic thermometer 20 is releasably mounted in a holder 40 for storagein contemplation for use. Tympanic thermometer 20 and holder 40 may befabricated from semi-rigid, rigid plastic and/or metal materialssuitable for temperature measurement and related use. It is envisionedthat holder 40 may include the electronics necessary to facilitatepowering of tympanic thermometer 20, including, for example, batterycharging capability, etc.

Heat sensing probe 22 defines a circumferential groove 42 in outersurface 30. Groove 42 is transversely oriented relative to longitudinalaxis x such that it is substantially perpendicular thereto. Groove 42 isrecessed within outer surface 30 to receive a portion of probe cover 32for releasably retaining probe cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22, aswill be discussed. Groove 42 has outer ends 44 that facilitate receiptand release of probe cover 32. Ends 44 may have varying degrees ofcurvature depending on the temperature measurement application. It isenvisioned that groove 42 may extend about only a portion of thecircumference of heat sensing probe 22. It is further envisioned thatgroove 42 may be oriented at various angular orientations relative tolongitudinal axis x.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, ejection apparatus 26 extends from distalend 24 of tympanic thermometer 20 and includes an eject button 46,compression spring 48 and ejection sleeve 50. Ejection sleeve 50 ismounted to distal end 24 such that fingers 28 extend distally therefromand are disposed for movement about outer surface 30 of heat sensingprobe 22. Fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 are in movable alignmentwith longitudinal axis x between a retracted position (FIG. 8) and anextended position (FIG. 10).

Compression spring 48 is mounted with ejection sleeve 50 such thatfingers 28 are biased to the extended position. Compression spring 48also provides resiliency to the motion of fingers 28. It is contemplatedthat compression spring 50 may have varying degrees of resilienceaccording to the particular requirements of an ejection application.

Fingers 28 are releasably fixable in the retracted position via a latch(not shown). The latch includes eject button 46 that is engageable torelease fingers 28 from the retracted position. Fingers 28 define atapered fingertip 52 (FIG. 9) that extends to a distal strike face 54.The tapered surface of finger tip 52 facilitates a uniform and reliableengagement with surface 38 of probe cover 32. Finger tip 52 may havevarious degrees of taper or none at all.

Distal strike face 54 and proximal strike face 38 engage for movingfingers 28 between the retracted position and the extended position.Distal strike face 54 includes a planar surface disposed in asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to longitudinal axis x.The planar surface of distal strike face 54 facilitates uniform andreliable contact with proximal strike face 38 for ejection of probecover 32 from heat sensing probe 22.

Upon mounting of probe cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22, proximalstrike face 38 engages distal strike face 54 causing fingers 28 to slidealong heat sensing probe 22, as shown by arrows A in FIG. 9. Probe cover32 is properly seated with heat sensing probe 22 when ejection sleeve 50locks into releasable engagement with the latch of ejection apparatus26, in the retracted position. In the retracted position, ejectionsleeve 50 interfaces with a switch or the like of tympanic thermometer20. The switch activates and notifies tympanic thermometer 20 that anunused probe cover 32 is in the retracted position and ready to use fora temperature measurement application. Tympanic thermometer 20 includesthe necessary electronics, circuitry and/or processing components toindicate position of fingers 28, ejection sleeve 50 and the used andunused status of probe cover 32. It is contemplated that probe cover 32is particularly configured for engagement with ejection apparatus 26 andcorresponding manipulation in the retracted position.

After a temperature measurement application is completed employingtympanic thermometer 20, eject button 46 is manipulated or otherwiseactivated to release ejection sleeve 50 from the retracted position.Compression spring 48 facilitates movement of fingers 28 and ejectionsleeve 50 to the extended position via the spring forces thereof, asshown by arrows B in FIG. 9. Manipulation of eject button 48 incooperation with the spring forces of compression spring 48 providesufficient force such that engagement of distal strike face 54 withproximal strike force 38 causes probe cover 32 to eject from heatsensing probe 22. Movement of fingers 28 to the extended positiondeactivates the switch of tympanic thermometer 20. The switch notifiestympanic thermometer 20 that probe cover 32 is not in the retractedposition and that probe cover 32 is not mounted with heat sensing probe32. It is contemplated that tympanic thermometer 20 includes a displayincluding illuminated icons, LED, etc. for indicating to a practitioner,for example, probe cover status, retracted position, extended position,etc. It is envisioned that in the extended position the display oftympanic thermometer 20 indicates to a practitioner that a new probecover 32 is required for mounting with heat sensing probe 22.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, probe cover 32, similar to the probe coversdisclosed in co-pending and commonly assigned PCT Application No.PCT/US03/______, Express Mail Label No. EV222416147US, filed in the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 6, 2003 has a distal end 54 that issubstantially enclosed by a film 56. Film 56 is substantiallytransparent to infrared radiation and configured to facilitate sensingof infrared emissions by heat sensing probe 22. Film 56 isadvantageously impervious to ear wax, moisture and bacteria to preventdisease propagation.

The component portions of the probe cover, which is disposable, arefabricated from materials suitable for measuring body temperature viathe tympanic membrane with a tympanic thermometer measuring apparatus.These materials may include, for example, plastic materials, such as,for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., depending on theparticular temperature measurement application and/or preference of apractitioner. The probe cover has a window portion or film that can befabricated from a material substantially transparent to infraredradiation and impervious to moisture, ear wax, bacteria, etc. The filmhas a thickness in the range of 0.0005 to 0.001 inches, although otherranges are contemplated. The film may be semi-rigid or flexible, and canbe monolithically formed with the remaining portion of the probe coveror integrally connected thereto via, for example, thermal welding, etc.One skilled in the art, however, will realize that other materials andfabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordancewith the present disclosure, also would be appropriate.

A body 58 of probe cover 32 defines longitudinal ribs 36 projecting frominner circumferential surface 36 and being proximally spaced from distalend 54. Longitudinal ribs 36 project a thickness a and extend a length balong inner circumferential surface 34 providing increased strength to awall 59 of probe cover 32. The increased strength of wall 59 facilitatesejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22. Fingers 28 strikeprobe cover 32 for ejection from heat sensing probe 54. For example,longitudinal ribs 36 resist compressive forces created in body 58 asfingers 28 strike probe cover 32. This configuration prevents undesiredfailure of wall 59 facilitating manufacture of a thinner walled probecover 32. Longitudinal ribs 36 define a transverse face 60 that isconfigured to engage heat-sensing probe 22. Thickness a, length b andtransverse face 60 facilitate retention of probe cover 32 with heatsensing probe 22. Longitudinal ribs 36 also provide an air gap 55 (FIG.3) of separation between heat sensing probe 22 and the tympanicmembrane. This configuration minimizes undesirable heating of heatsensing probe 22 that may result in inaccurate temperature readings. Itis contemplated that one or a plurality of longitudinal ribs 36 may beused, and that other similar projection fingers, bumps or detents couldbe used in order facilitate the engagement, interface, removal and/orejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22.

Body 58 defines inner protuberances 62 projecting from innercircumferential surface 34 and being proximally spaced from distal end54. Inner protuberances 62 have an elliptical configuration including awidth c (FIG. 7 shows ½ c due to the cross-section view) that isrelatively larger than a height d. Inner protuberances 62 have a radialcurvature projecting a thickness e from inner circumferential surface 34for engaging heat sensing probe 22. Inner protuberances 62 facilitateretention of probe cover 20 with heat sensing probe 34. Innerprotuberances 54 provide air gap 55 (FIG. 3) of separation between heatsensing probe 22 and the tympanic membrane. This configuration minimizesundesired heating of heat sensing probe 22. It is contemplated that oneor a plurality of inner protuberances 62 may be used. Longitudinal ribs36 and inner protuberances 62 may be variously dimensioned according tothe particular requirements of a temperature measurement application.

Probe cover 32 includes a flange 64 disposed adjacent a proximal end 65thereof Flange 64 is formed about the circumference of proximal end 65providing strength and stability for mounting of probe cover 32 withtympanic thermometer 20.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, probe covers 32, similar to that described, arefabricated, prepared for storage, shipment and use. Tympanic thermometer20 is manipulated and removed from holder 40 by a practitioner. Heatsensing probe 22 of tympanic thermometer 20 is inserted within probecover 32 for mounting therewith in contemplation for temperaturemeasurement of a subject by the practitioner.

Inner surface 34 of probe cover 32 engages outer surface 30 of heatsensing probe 34 for retention therewith. Inner protuberances 62 slideover ends 44 and are positioned for disposal within groove 42. Thisconfiguration provides sufficient retention between heat sensing probe34 and probe cover 32 so that probe cover 32 is retained with heatsensing probe 34 and probe cover 32 during temperature measurement ofthe subject. Thus, the retention strength of inner protuberances 62 withheat sensing probe 22 must be overcome for proper removal and ejectionof probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22. It is contemplated thatprobe cover 32 may include other retention structure for mounting probecover 32 with heat sensing probe 22, similar to those disclosed inco-pending and commonly assigned PCT Application No. PCT/US03/______Express Mail Label No. EV222416147US, filed in the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office on Jan. 6, 2003.

As probe cover 32 is mounted to heat sensing probe 34, proximal strikeface 38 of longitudinal ribs 36 engages distal strike face 54 of fingers28 defining a zone for striking engagement to facilitate mounting andejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22. Thisconfiguration and method of use improve temperature measurement accuracyand provide safety to minimize disease, bacteria, etc. propagation.

As proximal strike face 38 engages distal strike face 54, in thedirection shown by arrows A in FIG. 9, fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50are caused to slide along outer surface 30 of heat sensing probe 22.Ejection sleeve 50 engages the latch of ejection apparatus 26 toreleasably lock fingers 28 in the retracted position (FIG. 8).Compression spring 48 provides a resilient ergonomic tactility toejection apparatus 26 during mounting of probe cover 32 with heatsensing probe 22. Ejection sleeve 50 interfaces with a switch oftympanic thermometer 20. The switch activates tympanic thermometer 20and notifies a practitioner, via a display thereof, that an unused probecover 32 is in the retracted position and ready to use for temperaturemeasurement.

In operation, to measure a subject's (not shown) body temperature, apractitioner (not shown) pulls the subject's ear back gently tostraighten the ear canal so that heat sensing probe 22 can visualize thetympanic membrane for reading body temperature via infrared emissions.Tympanic thermometer 20 is manipulated by the practitioner such that aportion of probe cover 32, mounted to heat sensing probe 22, is easilyand comfortably inserted within the subject's outer ear canal. Heatsensing probe 22 is properly positioned to sense infrared emissions fromthe tympanic membrane that reflect the subject's body temperature.Infrared light emitted from the tympanic membrane passes through film 56and is directed to heat sensing probe 22.

The practitioner presses a button 66 (FIG. 1) of tympanic thermometer 20for a sufficient period of time (typically 1-2 seconds) such that heatsensing probe 22 accurately senses infrared emissions from the tympanicmembrane. Microelectronics of tympanic thermometer 20 process electronicsignals provided by heat sensing probe 22 to determine the subject'sbody temperature. The microelectronics cause tympanic thermometer 20 torender body temperature measurement in a few seconds or less. Probecover 32 is removed from heat sensing probe 22 and discarded.

Upon completion of satisfactory temperature measurement, thepractitioner depresses eject button 46, as shown by arrow C in FIG. 10,to release ejection sleeve 50 and fingers 28 from the retractedposition. Compression spring 48 facilitates movement of ejection sleeve50 and fingers 28 to the extended position, as shown by arrows B inFIGS. 9 and 10. Distal strike face 54 engages proximal strike face 38driving probe cover 32 in a distal direction. The strike force of distalstrike face 54 is sufficient to overcome the retention force betweenprotuberances 62 and outer ends 44 of groove 42. Thus, probe cover 32 isreleased from heat sensing probe 22 and is ejected therefrom for properremoval. It is contemplated that the strike force of distal strike face54, as provided by ejection apparatus 26, is sufficient to overcome anyretention structure of probe cover 32, according to the requirements ofa particular temperature measurement application or the particularpreferences of a practitioner.

Movement of ejection sleeve 50 from the retracted position deactivatesthe switch of tympanic thermometer 26. The deactivated switch causestympanic thermometer 20 to notify the practitioner, via display, thatejection sleeve 50 is not in the retracted position and probe cover 20is not ready for use until an unused probe cover 32 is mounted with heatsensing probe 22.

Tympanic thermometer 20 may be reused and another probe cover 32 may bemounted to heat sensing probe 22. Other methods of use of tympanicthermometer 20 are envisioned, such as, for example, alternativepositioning, orientation, etc. It is contemplated that probe cover 32 isdedicated for use with tympanic thermometer 20.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A tympanic thermometer comprising: a heat sensing probe defining alongitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from a distal end ofthe tympanic thermometer; an ejection apparatus including at least onefinger extending from the distal end of the tympanic thermometer andbeing configured for movement along the outer surface of the probe; anda probe cover being mountable to the distal end of the tympanicthermometer, the probe cover defining an inner surface configured toengage the outer surface of the probe, the probe cover including atleast one longitudinal rib radially projecting from the inner surfacethereof, the longitudinal rib defining a proximal face to facilitateejection of the probe cover, wherein the at least one finger isconfigured to engage the proximal face.
 2. A tympanic thermometer asrecited in claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the probe defines agroove, transversely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis, whichis configured to receive a portion of the probe cover for releasablyretaining the probe cover with the probe.
 3. A tympanic thermometer asrecited in claim 2, wherein the portion of the probe cover includes aplurality of protuberances projecting from the inner surface of theprobe cover and being proximally spaced from the distal end of the probecover.
 4. A tympanic thermometer as recited in claim 1, wherein theejection apparatus includes a plurality of fingers.
 5. A tympanicthermometer as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one fingerincludes a tapered finger tip defining a distal strike face.
 6. Atympanic thermometer as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least onefinger is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.7. A tympanic thermometer as recited in claim 6, whereby the at leastone finger is biased to the extended position.
 8. A tympanic thermometeras recited in claim 1, whereby the at least one finger is releasablyfixable in a retracted position.
 9. A tympanic thermometer as recited inclaim 8, wherein the at least one finger is releasably fixable via alatch, whereby the latch includes a release button that is engageable torelease the at least one finger from the retracted position.
 10. A probecover as recited in claim 1, wherein the probe cover includes aplurality of longitudinal ribs.
 11. A tympanic thermometer as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinal rib has a transverse facehaving a substantially parallel orientation relative to the longitudinalaxis of the probe.
 12. A tympanic thermometer as recited in claim 1,wherein the ejection apparatus includes equidistantly spaced fingers,each having a tapered finger tip that defines a distal strike face andthe probe cover including equidistantly spaced longitudinal ribs, eachhaving a proximal strike face, wherein the distal strike faces andproximal strike faces engage for moving the fingers between a retractedposition and an extended position.
 13. A tympanic thermometercomprising: a heat sensing probe defining a longitudinal axis and anouter surface extending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometer,the probe defining a transverse groove in the outer surface; an ejectionapparatus including at least one finger extending from the distal end ofthe tympanic thermometer and being configured for movement along theouter surface of the probe, the at least one finger being disposed formovement proximal to the transverse groove; and a probe cover having aninner surface being releasably mountable to the outer surface of theprobe, the probe cover including at least one longitudinal ribprojecting from the inner surface of the probe cover, the at least onelongitudinal rib defining a proximal face configured for engagement withthe at least one finger; wherein the proximal face and the at least onefinger engage for moving the at least one finger between a retractedposition and an extended position.
 14. A tympanic thermometer as recitedin claim 13, wherein the transverse groove is disposed circumferentiallyabout the outer surface of the probe and substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the probe.
 15. A tympanic thermometer asrecited in claim 13, wherein the at least one finger includes a taperedfinger tip defining a distal strike face.
 16. A tympanic thermometer asrecited in claim 15, wherein the distal strike face is configured forengagement with the proximal face of the at least one longitudinal rib.17. A tympanic thermometer as recited in claim 13, wherein the at leastone finger is biased to the extended position.
 18. A tympanicthermometer as recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one finger isreleasably fixed in the retracted position.
 19. A tympanic thermometeras recited in claim 18, wherein the at least one finger is releasablyfixable via a latch, the latch including a release button beingengageable to release the at least one finger from the retractedposition.
 20. A tympanic thermometer comprising: a cylindrical heatsensing probe extending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometerand defining a longitudinal axis, the probe defining a circumferentialgroove in an outer surface thereof; an ejection apparatus extending fromthe distal end of the tympanic thermometer and including a plurality offingers disposed about the outer surface of the probe, the fingers beingmovable between a retracted position and an extended position wherebythe fingers are biased to the extended position and releasably fixablein the retracted position via a latch, the latch including a releasebutton that is engageable to release the fingers from the retractedposition, the fingers defining a tapered finger tip that includes adistal strike face; and a probe cover being releasably mountable to theprobe, the probe cover including a plurality of protuberances projectingfrom an inner circumferential surface thereof and being proximallyspaced from a distal end of the probe cover, the protuberances beingreceivable within the groove for releasably retaining the probe coverwith the probe, the probe cover further including a plurality oflongitudinal ribs radially extending from an inner circumferentialsurface of the probe cover, the longitudinal ribs defining a proximalstrike face configured to engage the distal strike face of the fingers,wherein the distal strike face and the proximal strike face engage formoving the fingers between the retracted position and the extendedposition.